Official Community Plan Targeted Update


Richmond's Official Community Plan (OCP) sets the long-range vision for how the city plans to grow and change.  Last updated in 2012, the City is updating key areas of its OCP to better meet the needs of the community over the next 25 years.  The update focuses on housing, climate, equity and the environment with an emphasis on directing growth where it can benefit the community most, including transit-oriented villages that contribute to more complete, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods.

In addition, the OCP update must address new legislation enacted by the Province that alters how municipalities, including Richmond, must plan for the future.  Learn more about the Provincial Housing Legislation Changes.

Latest News

The first of two parts of proposed OCP updates, including the 2050 OCP Land Use Map, new housing policies and a new Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Map and guidelines, will be presented for consideration at the:

If directed by Council, the report MAY advance for consideration at a Public Hearing in early 2026, giving residents and interested parties an opportunity to share their input before a final decision is made by Council.

Please check back on our website and social media channels for updates.

Related Documents

Excerpts from the report's attachments:

How Richmond May Change

The first two parts of proposed OCP updates addresses the following:

  • Compact Transit-Oriented Development - New opportunities are provided inside and outside City Centre for diverse housing options near transit, shopping and amenities with the aim of improving residents' access to their daily needs, supporting more walkable, accessible and equitable neighbourhoods, and reducing car dependence and pressure on lands needed for jobs, farming and nature.
  • More Housing Options - New housing choices are encourage, particularly including low-rise apartment buildings and townhouses along arterial roads and increased opportunities for market and below-market housing across the city.
  • New Neighbourhood Types - Conventional land use types (e.g., apartment) are replaced with five "neighbourhood types" (e.g., Local Villages) that aim to make the form and scale of new development more predictable and complementary to existing neighbours, while supporting new rental and below-market housing opportunities.
  • Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) - Improvements to Richmond's ESA Map and guidelines provide for greater accuracy and protection and enhancement of sensitive areas, while taking into consideration certain park and agricultural activities.

Next Steps

The second of two parts of OCP updates will address community equity, climate response, and environmental protection and enhancement and will be presented for consideration by City Council and the public in 2026.  Additional information will be posted as it comes available.

Prior Staff Reports and Public Engagement

Have questions about the OCP Update?
Contact our staff by email at:CommunityPlanning@richmond.ca